Carthage Fire Department
2013 Year End Report
Department Profile:
The Carthage Fire Department has a current staffing of 23 full-time firefighters and one civilian
administrative assistant. Our current staffing level allows for six on-duty firefighters each shift, with a
minimum staffing of five. The 23 firefighting personnel account for approximately 172 years of service
with the Carthage Fire Department; with the average years of service at 7.49 years.
The following graph depicts our average years of service trend:
Personnel
Years of Service
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
<1
1-2
3-5
6-10
11-15
16-20
>20
Service in Years
The Carthage Fire Department saw several changes in 2013. Dana Carver, who served for 12 years as
the fire department secretary, transferred to the Carthage Police Department in July. Morgan Housh
was hired in September and serves as our administrative assistant. Tom Nixon, who served 33 years
with the fire department, retired on December 13th at the rank of Fire Marshal. The vacancy created by
Tom Nixon’s retirement resulted in the following promotions: Kendall Terry to the position of Fire
Marshal; Eli Maples and Jody Roughton to the positions of Captain; Brian Calhoon to the position of
Lieutenant; and Chris Perry to the position of Engineer.
Statistics:
The Carthage Fire Department serves approximately 25,000 residents in an estimated 160 square mile
area. The department also provides Automatic Aid to each fire department whose boundaries border
ours.
Calls for service increased approximately 1.25% in 2013; from 1,623 calls for service in 2012 to 1,646 in
2013. While calls for service experienced a slight increase in 2013, they remain below the five year
average of 1,695.
Fire department personnel expended approximately 4,029.32 man hours responding to emergency
incidents in 2013 when compared to 3,505.86 man hours in 2012.
Graphs are included to depict five year trends in the following areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Calls for Service
Man Hours Expended on Emergency Incidents
Average Response Times
Residential Structure Fires
Commercial Structure Fires
Vehicle Fires
Natural Cover Fires
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Emergency Medical Calls
Arson Cases
Illegal or Trash Fires
5 Year Trends - Calls For Service
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
2009
2010
2011
Fire District
City
2012
2013
Totals
5 Year Trends - Man Hours Expended for
Emergency Incidents
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
2009
2010
2011
Man Hours Expended
2012
2013
5 Year Trends - Average Response Times in Minutes
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
<2
2-5
5-8
8-10
Fire District
10-12
12-15
15-20
City
Average Time
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Averages
Average Response Time Trends - Fire District
<2
2-5
5-8
8-10
10-12
17
83
161
110
104
26
86
159
100
84
11
89
162
162
49
24
94
200
121
70
20
91
168
118
80
20
89
170
122
77
12-15
77
32
32
39
42
44
15-20
35
25
2
20
20
20
Average Time
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Averages
Average Response Time Trends - City
<2
2-5
5-8
8-10
10-12
179
612
264
49
27
222
672
181
23
14
184
516
148
24
13
228
562
132
21
3
202
589
143
24
7
203
590
174
28
13
12-15
18
11
16
3
4
10
15-20
16
4
8
6
3
7
5 Year Trends - Residential Structure Fires
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2009
2010
Fire District
2011
City
2012
2013
Totals
5 Year Trends - Commercial Structure Fires
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
2009
2010
Fire District
2011
City
2012
Totals
2013
5 Year Trends - Vehicle Fires
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2009
2010
Fire District
2012
City
2013
Totals
5 Year Trends - Natural Cover Fires
250
200
150
100
50
0
2009
2010
Fire District
2011
City
2012
Totals
2013
5 Year Trends - Motor Vehicle Accidents
500
400
300
200
100
0
2009
2010
2011
Fire District
City
2012
2013
Totals
5 Year Trends - Emergency Medical Calls
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
1
2
3
4
Series1
Series2
Series3
5
5 Year Trends - Arson Cases
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
2009
2010
Fire District
2011
City
2012
2013
Totals
5 Year Trends - Illegal or Trash Fires
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2009
2010
Fire District
2011
City
2012
Totals
2013
Fire District Trends
Type of Incident
2009 2010 2011
Residential Structure Fire
25
27
25
Commercial Structure Fire
1
3
0
Vehicle Fire
11
15
11
Natural Cover Fire
49
42
59
Motor Vehicle Accident
101
104
142
Medical Call
243
204
154
Hazardous Materials
26
2
6
Automatic/Mutual Aid
20
7
17
Miscellaneous
196
168
167
Fire District Totals:
672
572
581
2012
26
0
18
73
125
203
5
28
165
643
2013
25
0
21
24
150
201
15
46
161
643
5 Year Avg.
25.60
0.80
15.20
49.40
124.40
201.00
10.80
23.60
171.40
622.20
Carthage City Trends
Type of Incident
2009 2010 2011
Residential Structure Fire
32
20
25
Commercial Structure Fire
1
1
3
Vehicle Fire
9
18
8
Natural Cover Fire
21
11
18
Motor Vehicle Accident
86
90
94
Medical Call
763
748
534
Hazardous Materials
42
24
16
Automatic/Mutual Aid
3
0
9
Miscellaneous
303
259
244
Carthage City Totals: 1260 1171
951
2012
24
6
14
31
91
546
8
0
260
980
2013
22
5
11
12
79
606
16
0
252
1003
5 Year Avg.
24.60
3.20
12.00
18.60
88.00
639.40
21.20
2.40
263.60
1073.00
Carthage Fire Department Trends
Type of Incident
2009 2010 2011 2012
Residential Structure Fire
57
47
50
50
Commercial Structure Fire
2
4
3
6
Vehicle Fire
20
33
19
32
Natural Cover Fire
70
53
77
104
Motor Vehicle Accident
187
194
236
216
Medical Call
1006
952
688
749
Hazardous Materials
68
26
22
13
Automatic/Mutual Aid
23
7
26
28
Miscellaneous
499
427
411
425
Carthage City Totals: 1932 1743 1532 1623
2013
47
5
32
36
229
807
31
46
413
1646
5 Year Avg.
50.2
4
27.2
68
212.4
840.4
32
26
435
1695.2
Kenwood NexEdge Digital Radio System
During the May 2011 Joplin tornado response, we identified a major weakness in our two-way radio
communication system. Carthage Police Chief, Greg Dagnan, and I began developing a plan to upgrade
to a new state of the art digital radio system in the fall of 2011. This project took several years and
many hours to complete.
The overall goal of this project was to implement a new digital trunking radio system with built-in
redundancy. We also determined it was necessary for the City to be self-reliant in regards to the daily
operation and maintenance of the system. This criterion made it necessary for us to learn every aspect
of the radio system; from installation to operation to maintenance. I, along with Chief Dagnan,
Firefighter Davis Martin, and CWEP Technician Dustin Johnson, attended a Kenwood NexEdge Radio
Technician Class in Atlanta, Georgia in March. While this class was extremely technical and at times
overwhelming, it proved to be extremely beneficial as we approached the final stages of this project.
After many long hours of planning, field-testing, and training; the City of Carthage went live with the
new radio system in June of 2013. The new system provides for improved coverage, reliability, and
expansion when compared to the old radio system.
Carthage Head Start:
We had another great year with the Carthage Head Start program. The last half of the 2012-2013 year
continued as it had the first half. We finished out our monthly visits in April.
We had to change things up a little with our monthly visits with the start of the 2013-2014 school years.
The school now has morning and afternoon classes. To accommodate this schedule and still see all the
kids we visited at 1100 one month and then at 1200 the next month. This left us seeing each kid every
other month, but it seemed to work well. We, of course, ate lunch with the kids and read to them every
month. I have to say that the reading part is very gratifying for me and I think most of the guys. More
importantly, the kids seem to get great joy out of our being there and eating lunch with them and
listening to us read.
We chose again, as a department, this year to donate our money and efforts to buying Christmas for the
kids at Carthage Head Start. This was our best year yet. We received more donations from the public
than we ever have in the past which afforded us more money to put toward the kid’s gifts. All in all it
was an awesome experience giving these kids a little extra at Christmas that they wouldn’t have had
otherwise. I think, or at least hope, that knowing we care about them makes their lives a little better.
I look forward to what 2014 brings us and hope to be able to continue with Head Start for many years to
come.
Eli Maples
Captain
Staff Reports
Deputy Chief Williams:
2013 has been a year that we haven’t seen a lot of big projects in the areas of building and equipment.
But we have continued to maintain and make improvements as needed. The skills of the personnel of
this Department are often utilized to accomplish tasks that would normally require hiring outside help.
Many dollars are saved just because we can do the work internally. We are very proud of the efforts put
forth by the members of this Department.
BUILDING
Aside from the everyday maintenance issues being handled there have been a few small projects to
improve the building. Water lines and faucets to supply hoses for washing the apparatus were installed
to make it possible to wash them in the bays where they are parked. This allows us to better utilize the
wash bay for other purposes when necessary.
A security door was installed in the front lobby to allow us to better control entry of the public into the
building. We anticipate installing a security system in the future and this door will be utilized with it.
We were able to upgrade our Memorial this year by installing new concrete curb around the perimeter.
This helps to control grass growth into the flower beds and adds a nice clean look.
Other notable improvements include:





Heater installed to provide extra heat in the Training Room
Refinishing of bathroom and locker floors
Paint upgrades to areas as needed
Painting of all personnel lockers
Cabinet built in alarm room to accommodate new radios
EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS
In the category of equipment a few nice improvements were added. A Cargo Trailer purchased last year
has been completely outfitted with heavy rescue equipment and the mobile air system is now mounted
in it. This trailer can be pulled to scenes where heavy rescue is required and the air unit will be used as a
mobile fill station for SCBA cylinders at fire scenes. It is designated as SRU-612 and is now in service.
Early in the year we were able to outfit all personnel with wildland fire gear. This gear includes a light
weight shirt, pants, gloves and hard hat that provide protection while fighting grass and brush fires.
New radios were installed in all vehicles prior to activation of the new digital system. Personnel were
trained and were able to do the installations.
We placed three new SCBA units and spare cylinders into service this year. We hope to gradually
upgrade year to year and eliminate outdated units.
We were very fortunate this past year and received a generous grant from the Butterball Company.
They purchased for the Department a battery powered rescue tool that can be utilized in their facility
and also on other scenes. This tool can be quickly deployed without dragging hoses long distances and
when inside will not produce fumes that might contaminate an operation where food products are
produced.
Other equipment improvements and maintenance include:






Hands Free systems for command vehicles
Portable firecams used for training
Testing of a few thousand feet of attack and supply hose (ISO required)
Hydro –Testing of several SCBA cylinders (DOT required )
SCBA yearly function testing of all in service units
New SCBA cylinder rack built by Fire personnel
Vehicles and Apparatus are a constant maintenance responsibility and are checked over closely every
shift. In order to insure as thorough an inspection as possible we designed and implemented new unit
specific daily truck check sheets. We also developed accurate inventories for every apparatus that will
help insure important needed equipment is always present. SCBA report sheets were produced to help
provide close inspection of this very important equipment. It is the responsibility of the personnel
assigned to this equipment to utilize these inspection tools to insure all apparatus is 100% ready for
service.
Additionally this past year a maintenance manual was produced that covers all the brush units in
service. This manual can be used by new personnel and helps to standardize maintenance procedures
for these particular vehicles and equipment. Classes were also provided to familiarize all personnel with
these manuals. In the near future we plan to produce manuals that will be specific to all other
apparatus.
Other notable improvements to vehicles include:







Set up of a Saturday detail schedule for apparatus
Rebuilt the rear springs on B-612 and B-621 to improve weight distribution
Command box in rear of Deputy Chiefs Vehicle for incident command
Tow chains placed on all apparatus for emergencies
All pumps tested and approved. (ISO required yearly)
Oil changes as needed for all vehicles
Any and all basic repairs handled by personnel on a daily basis
We continually strive to maintain and improve the building and all equipment. The new equipment that
we have received in the past few years has been a blessing to this Department. Newer equipment is
definitely easier to maintain and hopefully more dependable. As the building gets older we can see that
improvements are needed. With the future plans for a second station we hope to also be making
adjustments at this station. The days ahead promise to be busy and certainly exciting.
Roger Williams
Deputy Chief
Training Officer Myers:
The year of 2013 was filled with a wide range of training opportunities and topics for the personnel of
the Carthage Fire Department. The training this year addressed important areas concerning the safety
and wellbeing for the citizens of Carthage and the surrounding fire district that the Carthage Fire
Department serves.
The topics of training include:

(Fire Officer 1) Eight members of the Carthage Fire Department attended a Fire Officer 1 class
held at the Joplin Fire Department. This was a 40-hour State certified class. Officer 1 is designed
for the company officer to help prepare him or her to make informed, responsible decisions.
Areas that were discussed during the class include safety, communications, managing resources,
inspections, investigations, pre-planning, and leadership.

(Self-Defense) All members of A, B, and C crews attended a 24-hour self-defense class held here
at the Carthage Fire Department. Detective Shane O’Sullivan of the Carthage Police Department
conducted the class. Crew members attended a lecture portion of the class intended to provide
information dealing with scenarios that may be encountered during an emergency call. Crew
members come into contact with members of the community that can be in a heighten emotion
state during an emergency call. Escalation of the emotion state of the victim or family members
can put members of all emergency departments that responded in danger.
After the lecture portion of the class, crew members were shown the basic techniques of selfdefense by Detective O’Sullivan. Exercise pads were then laid out, and the crew members
practiced the basic moves of self-defense under Detective O’Sullivan’s supervision.

(Abandoned Houses used for Training) When the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department expanded
their parking facilities at the Carthage location, 2 abandoned houses became available for
training. When an actual structure becomes available to train in, it gives firefighters a chance to
practice their techniques in a more realistic setting. Watching videos, discussion, and using
training props are useful parts of training. But when firefighters can actually practice on a real
structure, it provides training elements that cannot be reproduced in other settings. These
training houses were used for training by all crew members. We had access to the training
houses for approximately 2 weeks before they were closed for demolition. The following types
of training were conducted at the training houses;

Vertical ventilation was discussed and practiced at the training houses. Vertical
ventilation generally means cutting an opening in a roof to allow the heated gases and
smoke to escape from the structure. In order to perform vertical ventilation, the
firefighters must understand basic types and designs of roofs. At these training houses
firefighters were able to assess the condition and type of construction used on the
roofs. Using this information, firefighters then practiced cutting ventilation holes in the
roofs. Proper use of ladders, axes, and power cutting tools were discussed and practiced
during training.

Wall Breaching is done when the firefighters cannot find a way out of a room or building
by normal means of egress. Firefighters will sound the wall to find the structural
members. Then the firefighters will attempt to make a hole big enough for them to pass
through. Firefighters practiced wall breaching on sheetrock and wood panel walls in the
training houses.

Search and Rescue to find victims or downed firefighters was conducted at the training
houses. Not being familiar with the layout of the structure the firefighters are entering
adds another aspect to the training that is hard to duplicate in day to day training. A
training dummy was placed in the house in varying places. Firefighters in full personal
protective equipment would enter the structure and search for the victim. When the
victim was found, the firefighters would remove the victim from the structure.
Search and rescue for downed firefighters was also practiced. The firefighters that
entered the house to rescue the downed firefighter would try and follow the sound that
the PASS devices on the bunker coat and SCBA would emit. The SCBAs that the Carthage
Fire Department has in service have different methods of supplying breathing air to the
downed firefighter. When the downed firefighter was found, the different breathing air
methods were practiced. Then the downed firefighter was removed from the structure.

Scene Size-Up was practiced at the training houses. After arrival at the training houses,
all crew members would walk around the houses taking note of windows, doors, type of
construction, location and type of services connected to the houses. Discussion on how
the initial plan of attack would progress for different fire scenarios was an important
part of this training. Scene size-up and initial plan of attack was informative to crew
members that are usually not involved with this part of a structure fire.

Ladder 611 placement and ladder position were practiced at the training houses. The
initial placement of Ladder 611 for different fire scenarios was discussed. The aerial
ladder position was practiced by attaching a safety cone on a length of rope
approximately 6’ long and placing safety cones at various positions and heights on the
roof of the house. The purpose of this exercise was to set the safety cone attached to
the aerial ladder on top of one of the safety cones positioned on the roof. Firefighters
were told at random which safety cone to set the aerial cone on. This exercise gave the
firefighters a good view of depth and height perception. It was also excellent practice on
the actual control of the ladder close to objects without putting the aerial ladder in any
danger of damage.

High Angle Rescue was accomplished by placing a training dummy on the roof of the
house and having firefighters assess what was needed to rescue the victim from the
roof. Equipment that was used in this exercise included Ladder 611, rescue rope, nylon
strapping and stokes basket. Communications between the officer on the roof and the
firefighter operating the aerial ladder controls was important in the correct positioning
of the aerial ladder to rescue the victim and make it as easy as possible for the
firefighters performing the high angle rescue. Firefighters performed a medical
assessment of the victim, then placed the victim in the stokes basket. Firefighters used
ropes to safely lower the victim down the ladder.
Vertical Ventilation
Wall Breaching
Search and Rescue
Ladder 611
High Angle Rescue

(Motor Vehicle Accident Scenario) The Carthage Fire Department in cooperation with the
Sarcoxie Fire Department and Sarcoxie High School planned and gave a public
demonstration of a 3 car MVA to the students and parents of the Sarcoxie High School.

The objective of the MVA scenario was to emphasize the dangers of texting while
driving and also driving under the influence of alcohol.

The planning stage of the exercise involved talks between several different area
emergency departments. Departments involved with the exercise included the
Carthage Fire Department, Sarcoxie Fire Department, Missouri Highway Patrol,
Mercy McCune Brooks, Sarcoxie Police Department, and the M&M Wrecker Service.
 Carthage and Sarcoxie Fire Departments were asked to provide manpower,
fire apparatus and extrication equipment for the scenario.
 Missouri Highway Patrol provided patrolmen during and after the scenario.
 Mercy McCune Brooks provided Paramedics, ambulances and an air
ambulance for the scenario.
 Sarcoxie Police Department provided patrolmen for traffic control as well as
manpower for the scenario.
 M&M Wrecker Service provided 3 vehicles for the scenario.

The scenario scene had to be setup prior to the students and parents viewing of the
demonstration. M&M Wrecker Service towed the 3 vehicles from Carthage to
Sarcoxie and placed them in the street in front of the Sarcoxie High School. They
were positioned to simulate that an accident had happened at this location.
Students who participated in the scenario as victims had a make-up artist apply
moulage to simulate actual injuries sustained in a MVA. The students were taken to
the scenario scene and placed in position for the scenario to begin.


The Carthage Fire Department and the Mercy McCune Brooks ambulance staged to
the north of the scenario scene to simulate the travel timed required from Carthage
to Sarcoxie. The air ambulance was put on stand-by with an approximate time they
would need to land.
As the scenario was about to begin, the student and parents were positioned behind
a safety barrier along the scenario scene.
The scenario started with the arrival of the Sarcoxie Fire Department. The Officer in
charge made a scene size-up and requested the help of the Carthage Fire
Department with the extrication of the victims. A Mercy McCune Brooks ambulance
was dispatched by JASCO to the scene as well as placing an air ambulance on standby.
As the different emergency departments arrived they were assigned a task to be
done at the scene. The Carthage Fire Department was assigned the extrication of 2
victims in the vehicle on the north side of the scene. The Sarcoxie Fire Department
was assigned the extrication of the victims in the vehicle in the middle of the scene.
The victim in the south vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The Missouri Highway Patrol provided assistance with the driver of the north car
after the door was opened the firefighters. The driver was not injured and presented
signs of being intoxicated. The Mercy paramedics took care of the medical needs of
the victims. The air ambulance was requested to proceed to the scene and land.
Intoxicated Driver
Carthage Fire Extrication
Sarcoxie Fire Extrication
Air Ambulance Landing

After the scenario was completed, the students and parents returned to the
gymnasium where the Missouri Highway Patrol presented a short presentation.

The MVA scenario was a great demonstration for the students and parents to view the dangers
of texting while driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. We had many comments on
the realism of the scenario. Many of the students and parents were shocked at what really
happens at the scene of a MVA. The area media was there and reported about the MVA
scenario on the local news stations that evening.

(Rapid ID and Risk Assessment for Hazardous Materials) This class was presented by Response
Technologies based out of Florida. The purpose of this class was to help firefighters trained at
the hazardous material technician or operations level to evaluate the potential fire, reactivity,
health and radiological risks associated with both identified and un-identified substances.
Topics of discussion during this class include;
 Name and chemical family of the material.
 Scene size-up information.
 Results of initial air monitoring.
 Rapid field screening analysis.
After the lecture portion of the class, students performed experiments to identify various types
of hazardous materials.

(Trench Rescue: Operations Level) This course was presented by the Missouri University Fire &
Rescue Training Institute. The class was designed to prepare emergency personnel to perform
rescue operations in trench and excavation emergencies of depths greater than 8 feet. This was
a very informative class covering construction, application, limitations, and removal of
supplemental sheeting and shoring systems. The manufacture of trench boxes and isolation
devices. Adjusting protective systems based on digging operations and environmental
conditions. Also the coordination of the use of heavy equipment for digging and patient
management.
The practical portion of the class was held at the south end of the old Myers airport. The
Carthage Street Department provided manpower and a backhoe to dig the trench needed for
the class. The soil composition at that location was very loosely packed making it prone for the
walls to cave in at any time. This made the practical portion of the class very realistic to
conditions emergency personnel might encounter on an actual trench rescue call. After the first
day of practical exercise the trench collapsed overnight due to soil and weather conditions.
Another trench was dug the following morning for the class to resume.
Trench Collapse Overnight

Soil composition seen in this picture shows the loose nature of the soil at the site of
the trench rescue class. This type of soil composition makes approaching the edge of
the trench without the proper walk way in place is very dangerous. This type of soil
composition can be found throughout the area the Carthage Fire Department
serves.
Construction Information

The class included extensive instruction of the construction of bracing members. The
bracing members have to be measured and custom cut for each panel that is placed
in the trench. Construction of the bracing, installation of the side panels and putting
down walkways used in a trench collapse is very labor intensive and requires a large
amount of manpower.
Construction of the Trench Bracing and Panels

(Structural Collapse Rescue) This class was presented by the Missouri Fire & Rescue Training
Institute. This course helps firefighters to initiate rescue operations in collapse emergencies. The
class was divided between a lecture and practical portions of instruction. Recognition of the
hazards associated with structural collapse and how to deal with the use of proper resources,
scene safety and size-up, collapse patterns, reasons for collapses and potential for a secondary
collapse were all discussed during the class.

The FEMA rescue marking system and victim management and removal were also
discussed in length. This system was used during the Joplin tornado by different
responding departments. There was some confusion at that time what each
department’s markings actual meant. This system is meant to unify the markings so
any emergency personnel can understand the markings when viewed.
This was a 40 hour class and all members of the Carthage Fire Department
participated in the class. The Instructors from the University of Missouri were very
knowledgeable in their presentation of lecture and practical information. The
Carthage School District allowed us the use of the Carthage Technical Center north
facility for the practical portion of the class.
The information obtained in this class has the potential to be a great asset for the
citizens of Carthage and the surrounding communities. With the past history and
future threat of severe weather affecting our community, the techniques and
information presented in the class could mean the difference between life and
death for victims trapped in a structural collapse.

Structural collapse does not always mean the structure has totally collapsed to the
ground. Many times, a wall or doorway has been structurally compromised and has
the potential for collapse. This means that the wall or doorway has to be supported
before any emergency personnel can enter or a victim removed from the structure.

This picture shows the use of adjustable aluminum and wooden bracing cut to
length to support a wall.
The Missouri University Fire & Rescue Institute provided all the materials and
equipment needed for the class. Most of the purpose built equipment is very
expensive to purchase. This class instructed firefighters alternate methods of using
wooden material to perform the task.

This picture shows a wooden structure built for the purpose of supporting a ceiling
structurally weakened.

This picture shows bracing placed in a collapsed area to support it while firefighters
attempt to rescue a victim.

As with all emergency incidents, a Command system must be put in place to ensure
the safety of the emergency personnel, victims, and all support personnel in the
area of the emergency scene.


This picture shows all the firefighters that participated in the class. All emergency
personnel are a tight knit group of people committed to the safety and the needs
of their community.
(Regional Fire Training Summer Conference) Kendall Terry, Jason Martin and Ryan Huntley
attended this summer conference in Springfield that featured guest speakers Chief Jerry Wells
and Bobby Halton. This conference dealt with leadership within the fire service.

(Fire Inspector Course) Davis Martin attended a Missouri Department of Public Safety Fire
Inspector course. This was a 5 day 40 hour course. While attending class Mr. Martin received
classroom lectures regarding the inspector’s role in life safety, general fire safety, protection
systems, and information on hazardous materials for the Fire Inspector. Mr. Martin also
completed a series of practical skills involving inspections of sprinkler, alarm and good systems,
means of egress, identifying hazards, and fire department access. After Mr. Martin completed
the course, he attended and pasted the certification exam.

(Fire Investigator) Kendall Terry and Eli Maples attended a Missouri Department of Public Safety
Fire Investigator course. This was a 5 day 40 hour course. While attending the Fire Investigator
course, classroom topics included accidental and incendiary fire causes, juvenile fire setting,
legal aspects of fire investigation, and interview and interrogation methods. Mr. Terry and Mr.
Maples participated in a practical portion of the class where they demonstrated their skills to
investigate a fire scene. They have taken the written portion of the certification exam and now
are working on the practical portion of the certification exam that requires them to investigate
an incendiary and accidental fire. They must then present a full report of their investigations for
approval before they can fully certify as a Fire Investigator.

(First 10 Minutes) Fifteen members of the department attended a course presented by the
Southwest Missouri Firefighter Training Alliance. Joe Perkins of the Carl Junction Fire
Department was the Instructor. The class dealt with the first 10 minutes on the scene of a
structure fire. The class discussed the difference between success and failure associated with
the actions taken within the first 10 minutes upon arrival of a structure fire.

(Evaluator) Thirteen members of the department attended an Evaluator course. Greg Landwehr
from the Missouri Department of Public Safety delivered the course. This course is only available
to State certified Fire Instructors. This course enables a Fire Instructor to evaluate the practical
skills of students participating in various Missouri Department of Public Safety courses.

(Professional Fire & Fraud and Investigators Association) Chief Thompson and Ryan Huntley
attended the PFFIA conference this year in St. Louis. This was a 5 day conference. Topics of the
conference included; Large Appliance Fire Investigations, Solid Fuel-Burning Appliance Fire
Investigations, Pipeline Operations, WMD and Terrorism Prevention, and Recovery of Human
Remains in Fatal Fires. There was also a practical exercise where course participants investigated
pre-constructed and burned fire scenes.

(Wildland Fire Training) Chief Thompson conducted a wildland fire training class for all Carthage
Fire personnel. Class was divided between a lecture and practical portions. Lecture topics were
parts of a wildfire, common types of fuels burned in wildfires, weather and wildfires, topography
effects on wildfires, and proper personal protective equipment for wildfires. Chief Thompson
also discussed the proper techniques to perform a back fire.
The practical portion of the class was conducted on a section of private land in the Carthage Fire
district. There, firefighters were able to practice the methods discussed in the classroom.
Setting a Back Fire

(Heavy Rescue Training) The Carthage Fire Department and Americold Logistics continued their
training partnership. This year we conducted a heavy rescue class. Also participating in the
training exercise were Mercy McCune Brooks paramedics and EMTs. JASCO was informed of the
training exercise and participated part broadcasting a simulated 911 for the training exercise.

The object of the training exercise was to rescue a training dummy that had been
involved in an accident that resulted with the training dummy’s lower extremities
being trapped beneath the forklift.

After the 911 dispatch from JASCO, the Carthage Fire Department and the Mercy
McCune Brooks emergency personnel responded to the main guard shack at
Americold. There they meet with Americold personnel who informed them of the
situation and led the emergency personnel to the scene of the accident.

On arrival to the emergency scene, firefighter assessed the situation and the
condition of the victim. The proper equipment was retrieved from the fire trucks
and the extrication of the victim began.

Fire department personnel worked closely with the medical personnel during the
training exercise.

High pressure airbags were used to lift the forklift off the victim. As the firefighters
lifted the forklift, wood cribbing was put in place to prevent the forklift from falling
or shifting. Firefighters train on the operation of the high pressure airbags
frequently, but the actual use of the airbags is limited. This training exercise was a
great experience for firefighters to actually lift a heavy object. The compact size of
the forklift demanded the firefighters and paramedics work in close quarters to each
other.

After the heavy rescue training, Americold personnel conducted a facility tour. This
tour is meant to keep firefighters as familiar with the Americold facility as possible.

The facility tour included the refrigeration buildings located on the surface of
Americold. Ammonia is used in this refrigeration building to cool a brine mixture and
then pumped below the surface to the coolers. This part of the facility tour is
particularly important to firefighters in case an ammonia leak would occur.
Ventilation and shut down procedures were discussed for the refrigeration buildings
also.

(Driver/Operator) A Missouri Department of Public Safety course is in progress at the Carthage
Fire Department at this time. In is scheduled to be completed in late February or early March.

The Driver/Operator course is designed to give firefighters an in-depth look at the
responsibility of the fire department Driver/Operator. Driver/Operator responsibilities
include the general maintenance of the fire apparatus, readiness of the fire apparatus to
respond to an emergency, pump operation, positioning of the apparatus at the
emergency scene, pump operations, and fluid dynamics.
(Truck Manuals) A brush truck general maintenance manual has been completed. It is designed to give
firefighters a basic understanding of the mechanical workings and needs of the brush trucks. Also, it is
meant as a source of maintenance information contained in one location to give firefighters easier
access to general maintenance requirements.
Fire Marshal Kendall Terry:
2013 was another fast paced year full of many changes. Fire prevention, public education, and fire
investigations progressed more than in years past. The year also marked the retirement of Fire Marshal
Tom Nixon. Nixon served the city for 30 plus years and left the department in December.
Fire Prevention
Burn permits and burn permission on open burning totaled 80. This is a slight increase from last year.
The burn permits issued addressed safety and state regulations in order to keep burning under control.
There were 63 unauthorized and illegal burning activities reported for the year.
The department conducted 8 fire extinguisher classes for local businesses and industries. Fire drills were
also conducted at every school in the city. These were done twice during the school year and done in
conjunction with the school district. The department also installed 20 smoke detectors in homes as a
part of our newly formed smoke detector program. Home safety surveys were done with this program.
We hope this program will help homeowners be more aware of fire prevention in order to address
avoidable emergencies.
Occupancy inspections and preplans were down this past year. A total of 15 inspections, 5 preplans, and
10 sprinkler system inspections were conducted on city businesses and schools. Life safety and
information were still addressed as a part of the Knox box program. A total of 46 Knox boxes were
ordered and installed on city businesses.
Public Education
Public education was once again a success in 2013. The department conducted station tours, visited
schools monthly, and held events for the public. Our public education program went through changes in
hopes of giving the public a better and updated product. A committee was formed of department
personnel. This committee was given the task to record and create updated videos that we use for our
school visits. The committee is also researching new handout materials.
The department attended 8 events, including health fairs and business grand opening, to display
apparatus to the public. The department gave 51 tours of the fire station to various groups and schools.
Once again the department made monthly visits to the elementary schools. Our 266 visits included a
safety theme each month, with a video and a question/ answer session. The students benefiting from
this program included every fourth grade class in the Carthage School District. Two public events were
held and hosted by the department. A kid’s fishing day was held in the spring. This event was attended
by approximately 50 people. In the fall, our Maple Leaf Safety Fair was held. This event was attended by
approximately 400 citizens, who were given the opportunity to enjoy several booths, view emergency
vehicles, and learn about the various emergency agencies.
Investigations
Investigations were again a vital part of the departments operations. These investigations aid in
stopping insurance fraud as well as other crimes. Determining the origin and cause of fires can also help
firefighters and homeowners in their fire prevention knowledge. The department investigated 32 fires in
2013, with 5 of those fires being arson. Two investigators were added, giving the department a total of
six.
I look forward to serving in my new role for the upcoming year. I have numerous plans and goals for
myself, my position, and the department. I hope to make big strides and improve the operations of and
already great department.
Kendall Terry
Fire Marshal
Captain Eli Maples – A Crew:
The year 2013 has been an eventful and busy year for the Carthage Fire Department. The year ended
with the retirement of Fire Marshal Tom Nixon. As with any vacant position at the Fire Department
there were promotions that followed. Kendall Terry promoted to Fire Marshal in December as well as
Jody Roughton took the position of the B- Crew Captain. I was very fortunate to be promoted to the
Captain of A-Crew in mid-November. I, like most of the shift personnel, moved to a new crew. Over the
past two months as Captain I have realized that there is definitely a learning curve and an adjustment
period on this side of the fence. I am enjoying the new position and my new crew. Each one of my crew
members brings something unique to the table and I feel fortunate to work with them. We have already
experienced several structure fires, multiple MVAs and three bouts with winter weather. We have
proved that we work well together and make a good team.
One of the most memorable events of 2013 was the “Square Fire” where the Sassy Spoon Restaurant
caught fire and burned. I happened to be on duty the day of the fire. I was the Lieutenant on C-Crew and
was among the first to arrive on scene. I got to be a part of and to witness the unity and efficiency with
which the Carthage Fire Department works. I am extremely proud of my department and the men who
work here. This fire, although tragic, brought our community together. From the emergency personnel
on scene, JASCO, Public Works, Carthage Water and Electric, The Carthage Press, local businesses and
swarms of curious and concerned citizens. Everyone mentioned played a vital part in either the
mitigation of the fire or in the support that was given to the emergency personnel and workers on
scene. What better place to live and work in than a community that can come together when the
occasion arises?! We may not have been able to save the building that day, but we can be proud of how
hard we all worked, trying to do so.
We had the opportunity to show how well our department works with area agencies following another
tragic incident in Carthage. After the discovery of the murder victim on the West side of town we spent
the better part of a week working closely with and sometimes side by side, day and night, with the
Carthage Police Department, the Jasper County Sherriff’s Department and the Missouri Highway Patrol. I
know that the interagency cooperation helped in solving the case in a quick and professional manner.
Between the over 1600 calls we ran this year, we managed to fit in training. We had two large training
classes, Trench Rescue and Structural Collapse, which were both multiple day classes that we received
certifications for. We also did a training evolution at the Carthage Underground. This was a “large
mobile equipment fire” scenario. Not only is this excellent training, it also strengthens our relationship
with the personnel at the Underground who in turn have let us use their facility more than once in the
past for other training exercises.
Along with the hands on training, the majority of the department personnel attended and/or received
certification in one or more of the following: Fire Instructor I, Fire Instructor II, Evaluator, Fire Inspector
and Fire Investigator. This, coupled with the daily training, keeps us ready and on our toes when the
time comes. All of this training can only make us better firefighters and leaders, which in turn makes us
better prepared in the serving of our community.
I am grateful for my men, my chiefs, my department and my community. I look forward to whatever
challenges the rest of 2014 brings us. I know that together we can accomplish about anything.
Eli Maples
Captain
Captain Jody Roughton – B Crew:
The following is a summary of the accomplishments and progress of B crew for the year 2013.
This past year has brought change once again to the department as a whole and to B crew. Due to the
retirement of Fire Marshall Nixon and the promotion of Fire Marshall Terry, I promoted to captain of B
crew December 15, 2013. As a crew we wasted little time jumping into action. My first shift as captain,
and our first shift together as a crew, we responded to a structure fire fifteen minutes into the shift.
This was the first of two working structure fires that we responded to that day. What I quickly noticed
about our crew was how well everyone worked together on scene. Our crew was able to execute the
job safely and effectively while maintaining good communication with one another throughout the
incident. Seeing how well we worked together in such little time is exciting to me and I have high
expectations for the coming year.
I credit the smooth transition for B crew being directly related to the training we received as a
department in 2013. Our crew along with the other two crews received training in Trench Collapse
Operations and Structural Collapse. While participating in these classes we were training within our
crew and with members and officers of the entire department. I believe these two classes brought not
only B crew closer together as a team, but also the entire department. Our crew has received several
other quality training classes which have made the crew and department better than it was in 2012. The
crew received training in self-defense, rapid risk assessments, and also began a driver operator course
which is currently being completed. B crew members also had individual certifications. Roughton
received certification in Officer I and also became a state evaluator. Roberts received certification for
Insrtuctor I and Mitchell became a state certified EMT. Our training that was completed in 2013 shows
our crew’s dedication and the willingness to learn important skills for our job. Training has also boosted
our confidence level on scene, and the entire crew morale.
Our crew has always taken pride in our department and the station in which we consider our home. The
crew assisted in many projects this past year that brought the station up to date. One project that
stands out in my mind was the painting of the lockers in the personnel locker room. The crew was
involved with many day to day projects and they were completed without complaint and with pride to
better our station. The crew also assisted with equipment upgrades as well as maintenance on current
equipment and apparatus.
2013 was also a busy year in our public education program. The crew participated in 21 public
education events. These events included monthly visits to our fourth grade elementary classes, teaching
fire extinguisher classes, and participating in a mock drunk driving accident with area departments. Our
crew understands the importance of our public education program and in 2013 we made progress in
making our program better. A public education committee was formed with the goals and mind set to
redevelop our current program. Members from B crew that served on this committee were Roughton
and Perry. Our goals with the program are to continue making new videos and providing our
community with new quality educational material. Our crew is excited for 2014 and look forward to
being involved in the growth and development of the public education program.
In 2013 B crew worked 121 shifts and responded to 525 total calls. We responded to these calls free of
serious injury which is our main priority. Our average response time was 5 minutes and 18 seconds.
Our crew realizes that we are expected to be ready at a moments notice to respond to emergency
incidents. B crew takes pride in our current average response time and will continue to strive to
improve that time for 2014. I am excited for this up coming year and the opportunity to be the captain
of B crew. Our crew morale is high and all members are driven to learn new skills and improve the ones
they already obtain. As captain of B crew I am proud of all the members on my crew, and take pride in
saying that I work for The Carthage Fire Department.
Sincerely,
Jody Roughton
Captain
Captain Ryan Huntley – C Crew:
The year 2013 has come and gone. With this C-Crew and the entire station, having had many
accomplishments and having achieved many goals.
The year of 2013 I believe will be remembered for the square fire, by us as firefighters and by the
citizens of Carthage. Though the outcome of the fire was a loss to one of our historical buildings, there
were some very good things that stood out to me as a Captain of the Carthage Fire Department. C-Crew
was on duty the day of the fire and arrived at the Sassy Spoon with heavy smoke showing. We entered
the structure with the confidence and attitude that we could save the building. I was extremely pleased
with how diligently and professionally the truck operators, firefighters, and officers worked together to
maintain a safe and productive scene. Throughout the duration of this situation, off-duty personnel
showed up to assist their fellow firefighters and put forth a great effort to bring this situation under
control. Seeing how the entire department showed up to aid in this situation and how well everyone
worked together as a team, I believe says a lot about the character and commitment by each member of
the Carthage Fire Department.
Due to the amount of time that we spend at the station, you could call it our second home. We are
continually trying to update and make our station more presentable to the public as well as a more
comfortable living environment for our department members. This year we have repaired and painted
all the lockers in the Public/Captains bathroom and the entire back locker room. We have framed a wall
and added an entry/security door to the front foyer. We have added curbing to our firefighter memorial
and improved the landscaping. We stained all the cedar fencing around the station. We have built
cabinets for our station as well as for the Police station to accommodate the new radio system. We built
an organizer/cabinet for the back of Deputy Chief’s vehicle. A major project that we took on this year
was completing our Special Response Unit. This consisted of putting all of our technical rescue
equipment into our new enclosed trailer. We designed and built shelves and organizers, making
everything readily accessible. We also completed the mobile air system, which we also installed in the
trailer. We built mounts for the bottles, enclosed the generator, and installed the compressor. Having
completed this project will prove to be a great asset on future major event scenes.
Due to the fact that we are a very busy station with daily chores, daily training, inspections, and
emergency calls: being able to accomplish these projects with a good attitude and motivation says a lot
about the sense of pride the men have toward improving this facility in a manner of good stewardship. I
am very proud to say that the men that work under me take these projects on without complaint and
work diligently to accomplish them.
Accomplishments with community relations have been great over last few years and 2013 was no
exception. We have decided to update and improve the fourth grade Fire Safety videos, which are
filmed and edited by the men of the station. We made a new introduction video this year as well.
Everyone worked extremely hard and spent many hours trying to make the video fun as well as
educational for the kids. We have continued to be active with the Head Start program, which has proved
to be very rewarding to us and the children involved. The new smoke detector program was initiated to
provide free detectors to Carthage residents that are unable to afford them. This program has been
continuously worked on and has advanced to where we believe the program is fair and beneficial.
Carthage High School started offering the Missouri State Fire Academy last year and we were heavily
involved in getting this up and running. We taught all of the practical skills section of the Academy out of
our station. We also taught the Haz-Mat section of the class. This was very time consuming for the guys
on duty, but everyone embraced this with a great attitude and worked extremely hard to provide the
students with the skills and knowledge they needed to perform well on their state exam. Another major
event that we took on this year was hosting the FFAM convention. This brought approximately 500
Firefighters and their families to our city. The event lasted three days and consisted of fellowship,
firefighter challenges, an awards ceremony, dinner and ball. This project was extremely time consuming
and a lot of effort went into getting this ready. The men all embraced this event and worked very hard.
The end result was a fun weekend and a major success for the City of Carthage.
A never ending part of our job is training. Training is a crucial aspect of improving ourselves physically as
well as expanding our knowledge. During the year 2013 we have had numerous personnel take state
certified classes. Officer I, Investigator, and Instructor classes are a few that have been taken and
passed. We have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity for hands on training as well.
We were able to train on two abandoned homes that the city was getting ready to tear down. With
these structures we were able to perform search and rescue, ventilation, breeching of walls for selfrescue, and practice various skills that we would not normally be able to do. With the help of M&M
Wrecker we were able to train on vehicle extrication. Vehicle construction and the associated hazards
are constantly changing. With this brings new skills to learn on extricating as well as new dangers
involved to the men performing these tasks. Being able to train on these vehicles, hands on, is always a
huge benefit. Being proficiently trained for any situation is an ongoing task in the Fire Service. We were
very fortunate to have had two big(hands on) classes this year. We had a trench collapse rescue class
that proved to be very beneficial. We do not respond to a lot of these calls but we were able to gain a lot
of information and skills that will be needed to perform this kind of rescue. The other major class was on
building collapse. Again, we learned a lot about the roles we could take on immediately upon arriving
on scene. We were also made aware of the resources that we may need to acquire. I believe that these
two classes were well worth the time and resources expended in order to accomplish the desired goal.
We have the knowledge, skills, and materials that we can put toward these situations that we previously
did not have. Doing all of this training ultimately makes us better at our jobs. It gives us a chance to work
together, problem solve, and work on communication skills. The men are always willing and excited to
come together for training, to better themselves for each other and the citizens we protect.
The profession that we are involved in comes with high stress and extremely frustrating working
conditions at times. In these situations it is very crucial that we all work together as a team and strive
toward bringing an unfortunate situation under control as quickly and professionally as possible. As the
C-Crew Captain I am proud to say that the men I work with work together as a team and with a
motivated sense of pride, whether on emergency scenes or daily station life. Each member of C-Crew, I
can honestly say, is proud to be a part of the Carthage Fire Department and serving the citizens of
Carthage.
Ryan Huntley
Captain